THE remarkable changes going on in what may be called the structure of human society are so sweeping that we can speak of a new era being ushered in. The average onlooker might, perhaps, consider this the result of evolution or of so-called fate beyond human knowledge. The Christian Scientist, having gained some understanding of the nature of God, discerns in these changes the operation of divine power in the mentality of mankind. Throughout history there has been a certain measure of recognition—and consequent manifestation—of God's power in the world's affairs; and since the discovery of Christian Science by Mary Baker Eddy, the right understanding of God has increased in an unprecedented way. Christian Scientists are finding this spiritual understanding of practical value; potential beyond comparison in the healing of sickness, the overcoming of sin, and all other forms of limitation. Human thought, thus becoming spiritually enlightened, has advanced farther in the last fifty years than during any previous period of equal duration. One need not wonder, then, that such a transformation in the world of thought is evidencing itself in an ever more rapidly changing outward world.
In times of perturbation humanity is prone to listen more attentively than usual to the words of those claiming to possess vision, and when these seers are equipped with some comprehension of the underlying reality of existence their statements can be of actual value. The Bible contains many a record of peoples in commotion; it also abounds in divinely inspired predictions, whose merit is esteemed in the measure that such pronouncements show forth the right understanding of Deity. In this light, Christ Jesus' words are of greater importance than those of any other spiritually endowed Biblical character. He declared, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Doubtless he spoke of the material sense of existence. On that occasion the Master was addressing his disciples, a fact which implies that his demonstration in overcoming the world was of such a nature that it could also be performed by others who understood his teaching.
Jesus discerned the operation of divine power in human experience through God's mighty fatherhood, and Mary Baker Eddy, in modern times, exalted the significance of Christianity through her disclosure of God's tender motherhood. Thus the divine fact was revealed to her that God, the Father-Mother, does not entertain or admit the slightest element or sense of evil, imperfection, or limitation, a fact separating Christian Science fundamentally from all other religious and philosophical systems. Inevitably, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science was thereby led to recognize God as the divine Principle of all actual being, and to see the infinite possibilities of the practical application in human affairs of the ever active, ever abiding, ever available, invariable, impartial, supreme law of good. This law procures nothing but blessings; is never occupied with punishment, condemnation, or destruction.
